A novel,
high performance, non-contact temperature sensor system has been
launched, which not only boasts a temperature range from 40°C
up to 975°C, but also offers unique 75:1 infrared optics
with a patented, double-aiming laser crosshairs system, for applications
where small spot size is critical. The 75:1 optics with selectable
focus at distances from 70mm to 1,260mm is generating unbeatable
small spots at low temperatures, of 0.9mm at 70mm. Where users
need to detect or scan for hot spots in fast-moving objects in
production environments, the CT Laser F (Fast) is available with
a 9ms exposure time.

Launched at the recent Hanover Fair exhibition in Germany, Micro-Epsilons
new Optris CT Laser Series of non-contact, infrared
temperature sensors, combine the accuracy of 75:1 infrared optics
(the highest ratio currently on the market for this type of sensor)
with small spot sizes, low temperature measurement and precision
aiming. In fact, so innovative is the sensor, that it has just
been awarded Germanys Industrial Innovation Prize
from the Mittlestand Initiative 2007, beating more
than 300 other industrial innovation products from Germany into
first place.

Ulrich Kienitz, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilons Optris
division, comments: We are delighted to have been awarded
the innovation prize, particularly when there were more than
300 other industrial companies entering the competition. The
CT Laser Series really is quite special and unique from other
products out there. First, the small spot size is made possible
by a patented, high accuracy, double laser crosshairs system
and 75:1 optics that enables temperature measurements down to
40°C and as high as 975°C.

The double laser aiming marks the real spot size and location
at any distance, without the need for mechanical choppers. The
75:1 optics with selectable focus generates small spot sizes
at distances between 70mm and 1,260mm. For example, the spot
size is 0.9mm at 70mm, or 1.9mm at 150mm.

Kienitz continues: Second, as always with Optris products,
customers will be very impressed with the price-performance ratio
of the sensor. The CT Laser F [Fast version] operates
on an exposure time constant of just nine milliseconds [9ms],
and so is ideal for high-speed production environments, where
the user needs to scan or detect hot spots on fast-moving objects.
The nearest competing sensor product that we are aware of operates
at 60 milliseconds [60ms].

The CT Laser really does represent a step-change in the development
of non-contact temperature sensors. 75:1 laser optics on the
sensor is an industry first, with the nearest competing product
offering 70:1 optics. In addition, the CT Laser can operate in
ambient temperatures of up to 85°C without cooling, again,
around 35°C higher than competing products currently on the
market.

Available for less than £555 for a standard unit, the CT
Laser Series should prove very popular with UK-based machine
builders, OEMs and systems integrators. Chris Jones, Managing
Director at Micro-Epsilon UK comments: To date, end users
and machine builders requiring small spot sizes at low temperatures
have had to put up with the classical pyrometer restrictions
such as choppering of signals, large size detectors and longer
response times. The new CT Laser uses new, super-sensitive detectors,
bringing these challenges under control at a favourable price-performance
ratio. The connectivity and range of interface options available
on the CT Laser are also second-to-none.

The range of optional interfaces available includes a Profibus
DP interface, USB, RS232, RS485 and CANbus. The CT Laser range
features selectable analogue outputs 0/4-20mA, 0-5/10V, thermocouple
type K or J as standard.

For more information on Micro-Epsilons Optris range of
non-contact temperature measurement products, please call the
UK sales department on 0151 260 9800 or email: info@micro-epsilon.co.uk
Micro-Epsilon
(www.micro-epsilon.co.uk) is a major global manufacturer of sensors,
headquartered in Germany. The company's range of sensors measure
everything from displacement to distance, position, vibration,
dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact
measurement techniques. These techniques include inductive, differential
transformer, eddy-current, capacitive, laser-optical, potentiometric
and draw-wire principles.

With more than
30 years' experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn't just
a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands
the importance of providing complete solutions and support services
for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in
consulting, development and application of industrial sensors
to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection
and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to
its clients._________________________________________________________